Well folks, we are almost done here in Africa. Our last week here is quickly coming to a close. The past few days have been really busy. We spent a lot of time at Bon Berger, a hospital in Campluka. Bon Berger has been a long time friend of MBMSI and being there was an incredible opportunity. The one thing you can always count on in Campluka is the sea of children that come out to see the Mundelli. (aka.. the white people) It’s impossible to even play a simple game of catch without it turning into some form of wrestling match.
Last night we celebrated the birthday of Jean Baptiste at his house with his wife and kids. We have all grown to love this man. Personally, it will be the hardest part of saying goodbye to Kinshasa. He has been so encouraging and inspiring. I think of him as father Africa. He’s in the top five most incredible people I’ve ever met. His wife made our entire team matching clothes! Watch out Gretna debrief! The girls got dresses and us guys got shirts. Well actually, Jared got a purple shirt that looks like a girl’s nighty. Haha. We learned how to make mecate last night. They are like the Congolese form of donuts. I schooled Brittany. They are supposed to be in the shape of a ball. Brittany’s looked like an octopus that had been deep fried. This past week we have eaten a lot of Congolese food. The night before, we had a Congolese cook off competition at our translator’s house. We split into teams and tried to out cook the others. I had the opportunity to pound leaves in one of those big wooden bowls with a big wooden stick. They did something like it on the Amazing race a few seasons back. Needless to say, I was in my glory. We also got to cut fish heads. I actually loved it and had a hard time parting with the knife. I actually kissed a fish head. Is that gross? Yes, it is. Brittany took over and loved it just as much. She also made fufu all by herself. The only bad part about this much Congolese food, is the reaction of the tummy. Five of the six of us currently have really bad.... you know.... and I won’t mention who they are.
Today was spent doing last minute prep for travelling and preparing for our end of Kinshasa Extravaganza! Tomorrow night we are inviting all of our friends over for a feast. We have invited local friends, ministry partners and any people we have built relationship with over the past month. We are preparing a menu of Congolese and Canadian food for 50 people! Speaking of which, the goat we are about to slaughter is being transported to our house as I type this. We have decided to prepare goat for tomorrow night. We have to go buy it, and take it in the taxi with us back to our home so it can be killed in our backyard. I’ve never witnessed the death of an animal this size. We apparently hang it from a tree and slit its throat. Wonderful. We have named the goat llyodasoraus after our fearless leader back in Gretna. The named was inspired by Jamie Niven. Along with my role as team reporter (hence these lovely blogs) I also have the responsibility of team videographer. I will be filming the slaughter, if I can make it through.
Random points of interest: D R C soccer uniforms were purchased this afternoon. Us boys had a photo shoot in our backyard. Kelly almost got stuck in a taxi. Alyssa’s leg has swollen from infection from her now 200 bites. Brittany continues to eat endless amounts of bread. Jeff is slitting the goat’s throat. Jared was almost mugged downtown today. I’m on diarrhea medication. We have water and electricity today. I’ve made the switch to the dark side of coke. Brittany now stands solo on team Fanta. Alyssa promised to write a song to one of her potential husbands due for today. She hasn’t started yet. Jared screams profanities before bed, and has still only showered once. Jeff continues to be attacked by bed bugs. I sleep soundly 6 inches beside him with not one bite to date. We boys now wear capris. Jeff was almost kissed by a Congolese woman, well, more like a crowd of woman. Key word Tasha, ALMOST. I was called Jacki Chan in the market because apparently I resemble him? Alyssa remains addicted to the soft serve that Jared has coined the cones of death. Kelly continues to think she has authority over us when we arrive back in Gretna. She is sadly mistaken...
We are doing great here. We are mixed with emotion as we prepare to leave. We are excited to see family and friends, but we are sad to leave the friends we have made here. The six of us have lived together for the last 6 weeks and do everything together. It will be hard to say goodbye to everyone.
Pray for safety as we begin our travel back to North America. We have two more days here before we head out.
Peace,
Team Congo
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